Chapter 16
Nerves were about to get the best of Dax. He had awakened with them, and they had continued to swell within him as the day progressed, moving toward a crescendo which he hoped would not shatter him in front of those who had turned out for Harmony Hues tonight.
He walked about the coffeehouse now, looking at the placement of art, which Deke Manchester had arranged. The gallery owner obviously knew what was aesthetically pleasing, and each bit of art on display was being shown in a flattering way. Deke had even suggested to Dax where to hang Ivy’s painting of the lake. Pausing in front of the landscape now, Dax thought of the lake’s calm waters, hoping it would soothe him.
After a moment of deep, slow breathing, he continued to move about Java Junction, taking in all the art on display, from paintings on their easels to a few sculptures and a table of jewelry.
People were just starting to enter the coffeehouse again. He had closed it from four to six in order for Deke to work his magic, as well as giving some of the musicians a chance to run through their brief sets again.
He was the only one who had yet to play.
Dax had done so to an empty coffeehouse the last two nights, however. After Ivy and her friends Paloma and Arlo had left last night, he had locked the doors and fetched his guitar, running through the two songs he intended to sing this evening. The time spent with Sylvia had been well worth it. Already, Dax heard a quality in his voice which had been missing in the past. With no formal voice training, he hadn’t known a thing about the exercises and warmups a singer should do before a performance. He had reported faithfully to Sylvia three times a week over the past three weeks and knew his voice was more than ready for tonight’s challenge.
He’d decided to give people between six and seven to enter the coffeehouse and view the art on display. At seven, the first act would go on. Dax had found a few from Craigslist, as Ivy had suggested. Others had been drawn from Sylvia’s students. A dry run of the musical portion of Harmony and Hues had been held three nights ago, and everything had gone smoothly. If everyone played and sang exactly as they had during rehearsal, the first fusion night at Java Junction would be a roaring success.
Moving to Deke, Dax asked, “Everything good from your end?”
“Absolutely,” the gallery owner responded. “This was a fantastic idea, Dax. Something the town needed in order to support the arts. I hope not only tonight is a success but that you’ll continue Harmony Hues nights well beyond summer.”
“We’ll have to see how it goes, Deke. Thank you again for staging the art for me.”
“Happy to do it. Now, let’s hope it sells.”
Dax checked in at the barista bar next. Scott Bartlett assured him that everything was under control.
“We have plenty of coffee and tea,” his weekend manager assured him. “Jeanine and Sean are busy, as you can see, and I’ll pitch in, too.” Scott glanced to his right. “Looks like I’m needed now. Good luck, buddy.”
Scott slapped Dax on the shoulder and moved behind the bar, greeting the next customer in line.
He went to Ivy now, who was talking with two women who looked to be close to her age. One had brilliant aquamarine eyes and blond hair. The other had raven hair and gray eyes.
“Hey,” he said, slipping his hand against the small of Ivy’s back and kissing her on the cheek.
She pinkened slightly, and Dax wished he could take her upstairs and really kiss her the way he wanted to.
The two women eyed him with interest as Ivy said, “Dax, let me introduce you to two friends of mine. Both of them teach elementary school in Lost Creek. This is Finley Farrow and Emerson Frost.”
Shaking hands with both, he asked Finley, “You wouldn’t happen to be related to Sam and Dianne?”
She smiled. “They’re my parents and the reason I got into education in the first place.”
“Finley also is a terrific photographer,” Ivy shared. “I’ve used her to shoot photos for Harper’s website. She’ll also be available to photograph weddings and other events once the center opens. Harper is also trying to convince Emerson to be Weddings with Hart’s exclusive cake baker.”
“That has to be monumental task,” he said. “Wedding cakes are so tall and intricate.”
Laughing, Emerson said, “They can be, but I enjoy the challenge each cake brings. I work on weekends at The Bake House. In fact, I’ve put together the boxes of bakery items you sell here at Java Junction. Ethel is appreciative of your steady business.”
“How would you have time to teach and work weekends for Ethel and still bake wedding cakes?” he wondered aloud.
“I haven’t given Harper an answer yet,” Emerson told him. “It’s a lot to think about, and I am loyal to Ethel.”
Arlo and Paloma arrived, joining their circle. Dax greeted the siblings and asked what they’d been doing today.
“Besides buying wines at Lost Creek Winery?” Arlo asked. “Paloma has bought out entire shops on the square,” he joked.
“Lost Creek is a charming place,” his sister said. “I cannot help it if I find so much appealing to me.” She indicated what she wore. “I found this.” Raising her arm, she showed off the bracelet she sported. “And this.”
“If you like that style of jewelry, something similar is on display in the corner,” Dax informed her. Smiling, he added, “It is for sale.”
Arlo clucked his tongue. “Here we go again. Come, Paloma. Let us view the art, including this jewelry.”
After they left, Finley said, “I was invited tonight by one of my former students. I teach fifth grade, and a student I taught the first year is singing with her sister this evening.”
“You must mean Carolyn and Marcy. Their harmonies are angelic,” Dax said. “And Marcy is a fine guitarist in her own right,” he praised.
Emerson said, “We also need to stroll through the art. Nice to meet you, Dax. Hope we can visit with you and Ivy later.”
Once the two departed, he removed his hand from Ivy’s back and entwined his fingers with hers. “Your friends seemed interested in us.”
“I’d mentioned to them that we were seeing one another, but I’m sure they’ll be grilling me now.” She squeezed his hand. “I will definitely let them know you are taken.”
“Do me a favor, will you?”
“Anything.” Ivy glanced around. “I think everything looks perfect tonight. What else do you think needs to be done?”
“No, it’s something I want you to subtly bring up with Emerson. It’s about Ethel. She hasn’t looked well to me recently. She’s a feisty, proud woman, and I don’t really know her well enough to pry and see if anything is wrong or not. I’d like to help her in any way I can, however.”
“I’ll see if Emerson knows anything,” she promised. “Emerson had become Ethel’s right hand since she started working weekends at the bakery. I know that’s why she’s hesitating about quitting and filling orders solely for Harper. If anyone will know anything about Ethel’s health, it will be Emerson.”
He brushed his lips against her cheek again. “I better go mingle. The table in the center, where you first listened to me play, is marked reserved. It’s for you. I want to be able to look out and see you there.”
“You are going to be wonderful tonight, Dax. I know it.”
Dax circulated through the coffeehouse, seeing that the line moved briskly as coffees and teas were ordered, greeting those he knew and meeting others for the first time.
Sylvia appeared at his elbow. She had come to the rehearsal on Wednesday and given a few of the singers a note or two. Sylvia hadn’t questioned Dax when he did not perform alongside the others.
“You’ve got a lovely crowd tonight,” she said. “I’ve already strolled along the art on display and have decided I may have to purchase something for myself.”
“You know to go through Deke?” he asked.
“Yes. I’d already seen everything available on your website, but I wanted to view what interested me in person. We’ll see if I get the work I want or if I’m outbid.”
“No bidding tonight,” he informed her. “At least this time around. All you need to do is agree to the price Deke has set, and he’ll mark it as sold. You can go into his gallery tomorrow and pay for and pick up your artwork.”
“I really like the painting of Lost Creek Lake hanging on your wall. I saw Ivy painted it.”
“She gifted it to me. It’s the first painting of hers which I saw.”
“I hear she’s going to be doing another mural for you, similar to the one she did for Charles Bennett.”
“Yes. I run by that mural every day and thought it would be special to have something along Java Junction’s wall, as well. Ivy told me she wanted to run with Texas wildflowers. We sat and looked at photographs of different ones, and she let me help decide which flowers to be included.”
Sylvia took Dax’s hand. “I know you’re nervous, but you have been faithful in doing your exercises. I’ve seen tremendous gains in your voice since you first came to me. Remember, you want to enjoy yourself this evening. This first fusion night is one of celebration. You’ve written and will perform two wonderful songs. Relish the fact you have a venue where you are bringing the Lost Creek community together through Harmony Hues. Be open. Vulnerable. Those gathered tonight will enjoy your music.”
“Thanks for the pep talk, Coach,” he teased.
Half an hour had passed, and Dax decided to address the crowd. He moved to the microphone and turned it on, tapping it to gain the attention of the room.
“Hello, everyone. I’m Dax Tennyson, owner of Java Junction, and your host for the first Harmony Hues evening. I hope you’ll take time to move around and view all the art on display. Every piece here has been created by an artist in the area. Deke? Wave at me.”
The gallery owner stood and waved his hand.
“Deke is in charge of sales this evening. If you’re interested in purchasing anything on display, speak with him. We’ll start the music in another half-hour. I think you’re in for a real treat as you listen to some very talented musicians and singers perform for you.” He grinned. “And don’t forget to grab a coffee or tea!”
The crowd chuckled, and Dax turned off the mic, circulating again, seeing how crowded Java Junction had become. He hoped the fire marshal wouldn’t close him down.
Locating Marcy and Carolyn, the sisters who’d been recommended to him by Sylvia, Dax asked, “Are you two ready to roll?”
They nodded, brimming with enthusiasm, and Carolyn said, “Thanks again for giving us this opportunity to perform.”
“I’m glad you were able to come tonight. I want to feature different people each fusion night, but I hope you’ll agree to make a return later in the summer.”
“We’d be honored to do so,” Marcy said.
“It’s almost time to start. Be ready to take your stools.”
After having Dax stand at lessons, as well as insisting he stand on his feet while he practiced, this past week Sylvia had allowed him to perch on a stool as he played and sang. He could easily see the difference in sitting and standing and made a few adjustments in his breathing. Tonight, he believed he’d be more comfortable on the stool, though.
Once again, he took the mic, seeing every seat filled and a good number of people standing along the walls. A thrill shot through him. This was his hometown now. The place where he had started a business.
And the place he wanted to settle down—with Ivy.
The thought didn’t startle him. It was merely a natural progression of his feelings for her. Yes, it was not too long ago since they had met, but Dax knew the feelings he held for Ivy weren’t fleeting ones.
He loved her. Completely. Deeply.
And he would tell her tonight. Through his songs.
“I want to thank everyone again for turning out tonight for Java Junction’s first fusion night, as well as thank a few people. First and foremost, my staff, who serve up coffees with a smile every day and hopefully brighten the lives of many of you here. Scott, Jeanine, Sean. You’re the best.”
The baristas waved to the crowd, who gave them a round of applause.
“Deke Manchester selected and arranged all the art you see here this evening. Sylvia Moore coaches several of the performers and contributed sage advice. And finally, Ivy Hart, my girlfriend, who supported and encouraged me as this idea to marry music and art came together. Ivy’s the one who came up with the name Harmony Hues. I’m grateful for that—and for having her in my life every single day.”
More applause sounded, and he looked at Ivy, who blushed profusely. Still she blew him a kiss, which prompted a few in the crowd to whistle.
“We’re starting off with a sister act. Carolyn is a sophomore at Lost Creek high and Marcy is a senior. Alone, they each have a wonderful voice. Together, their voices blend and become something truly special. Ladies?”
The siblings took to the area designated for performing as Dax stepped away. They sang an old Everly Brothers song, All I Have to Do is Dream and moved on to Wicked’s Defying Gravity, their voices soaring, bringing down the house.
Dax, who had stood to the side, hurried up and said to the crowd, “Can you believe how talented these high schoolers are?”
The enthusiastic applause was evidence enough how appreciative the crowd was.
Six more acts followed. A forty-year-old plumber. A high school biology teacher. An EMT. Each musician received a warm welcome. While it was obvious none of them were professionals, they each possessed talent and communicated their love of music through their voices and instruments. Some sang country. Some did pop. One guitarist played the blues, B. B. King and Johnny Winter songs.
Finally, Dax knew his moment had come.
He took a seat on a stool, lifting his guitar strap over his head, adjusting the mic to the proper height.
“Java Junction is sponsoring Harmony Hues tonight, and I want to thank you for the large turnout,” he began. “You’re stuck with me now as I finish up this evening’s entertainment. I think we’ve heard some great music tonight, and I’m here to play you a few songs that I’ve written. I’ve never sung in public before. Never had the chance. But I hope you’ll like what I’ve done.”
He launched into Dreams Turn to Dust, a mournful ballad about opportunities not taken and risks which didn’t pay off. Despite the sadness permeating the song, he received a strong round of applause at its conclusion.
Knowing his voice would be even better on his next selection, Dax begin strumming his guitar, performing A Brighter Tomorrow. The hopefulness in the song rose to a peak as his voice, rich and strong, hit the final note. Again, he received a tremendous amount of applause.
During each song, he had looked to Ivy, who wore an encouraging smile on her face. Now, Dax knew the right time had arrived.
To perform the song he had written after meeting her.
“I’ve got one more song to play for you to finish out our first fusion night at Java Junction. We’ll be holding these the first and third Saturdays of the month during the summer, with the second and fourth Wednesdays also spotlighting local talent, be it art or music.”
He swallowed. Looking straight at Ivy, he said, “I wrote this song is for a very special lady in my life. It’s called Forever’s Embrace.”
Ivy’s eyes widened. Her lips parted slightly.
Dax sang from his heart, pouring everything he had into this song, this moment.
Forever’s embrace, our love will endure,
A bond so strong, forever pure.
You’ve changed my life, our hearts aligned,
In forever’s embrace, our love entwined.
So let’s dance through life, hand in hand,
Together we’ll conquer, forever we’ll stand,
You are my everything, my journey’s end,
With you, my love, I’ve found my one true friend.
His voice broke slightly near the end, the strong emotions rushing through him as he told Ivy how much he loved her.
Forever’s embrace, darling, you’re my saving grace,
The love that lights up every space.
You’ve colored my world, erased my pain,
With you by my side, I’m forever changed.
He ended the song, tears blinding his eyes. For a moment, the hush remained, no sound uttered. Then applause rang out. People came to their feet, cheering him.
But Dax only had eyes for Ivy.
Removing his guitar strap, he set down the instrument and moved toward her. She was the only one in the room who had yet to stand, overwhelmed by his public declaration of love.
When he reached her, Dax took her hands, pulling her to her feet. Tears streamed down her cheeks.
“I love you,” he said simply. “I needed you to hear it through my song.”
Her arms went fast about his neck, and Dax enveloped her in his, holding her close.
She whispered, “I love you, too,” in his ear.
His heart sang. His spirit felt light. Free. Ready to start a new life with this amazing woman.
Dax kissed Ivy, oblivious to the cheers ringing about them.